Exclusive Trusted Magazine Q&A with Celina Caesar-Chavannes, Managing Director, ReSolve Research Solutions
How could you describe your career path in a few words?
My career path has been an extraordinary journey marked by unwavering resilience and continuous personal growth. It commenced with a foundation in science, and transformed into an award winning entrepreneurial enterprise where I honed my analytical skills and learned the value of evidence-based decision-making. The ownership of Resolve Research Solution, Inc. instilled in me a deep sense of curiosity and a commitment to rigorous problem-solving. But it also uncovered some systemic problems, that existed in Canada, that I could not solve on my own.
This pivotal moment in my journey led me to transition into the realm of politics, where I proudly served as a Member of Parliament for the Town of Whitby, Canada, as well as Parliamentary Secretary to Justin Trudeau and Parliamentary Secretary for International Development. I wanted to ensure that Canada had national brain and senior’s strategies that could help people that I was serving in my business. Although those never materialized, this experience immersed me in the complexities of governance, enabling me to advocate for policies that had a tangible impact on people's lives, especially those often marginalized by the political process. It taught me the power of effective advocacy, the importance of disruption, and the power of relentlessly pursuing positive change, even in the face of adversity.
Subsequently, my path veered back into the world business through the exploration of self-healing and academia, with a steadfast focus on the democratization of justice as a mechanism for humanization. This pivot was driven by a profound belief in the imperative of breaking down barriers that hinder progress and impede our collective humanity. It ignited a passion for championing underrepresented voices and reshaped my career's trajectory toward fostering environments where all individuals have an equitable opportunity to thrive.
In essence, my career journey is a testament to adaptability, a commitment to making a difference, and an unwavering dedication to building a more inclusive and equitable world.
What was your most challenging experience, and how has it changed your mindset?
Undoubtedly, one of the most formidable challenges I encountered in my career was the intricate web of systemic biases entrenched within the political landscape. After leaving politics and sitting through two years of painfully beautiful healing, I decided to pursue my PhD. I waned to explore the consciousness or human side of leadership. To interrogate why leaders, who understand the benefits of equity, still choose inequity. I could not understand how one could make laws that impact over 37 million people, and treat the person sitting right beside them with contempt. It was a stark reminder of the imperative to push boundaries, challenge the status quo, and confront deeply ingrained prejudices.
It became abundantly clear that true progress could only be achieved by breaking down the barriers that perpetuated inequality. This needed to happen in society, as much as it needed to happen within ourselves. This revelation not only reshaped my current path but also my mindset. In order to achieve more equitable and just result, we need to go inward, not outward.
When you get surprised by an unusual or uncertain context, what do you think?
In uncertain contexts, I embrace the opportunity to learn and adapt. I believe in the power of collaboration, listening, and finding common ground. Unusual situations often spark innovation and creativity, which can lead to transformative solutions.
Based on your experience, what’s the key success factor for a female leader/manager ?
The key success factor for a female leader/manager is self-belief. We often get in our own way. I often get in my own way, with doubt and fear. Confidence in one's abilities, coupled with faith, and a supportive network, is essential. Female leaders should embrace their unique strengths, challenge stereotypes, and persistently pursue their goals, knowing they can shatter glass ceilings. But they cannot be afraid to get cut. If you are the one shattering the glass, the shards are bound to fall somewhere. If you are closest to it, they will likely fall on you. Break the glass anyway. It is worth it.
I look forward to the opportunity to share more about my journey and insights with Trusted Magazine's global audience. Please feel free to reach out for any further information or clarification.
